Our Services

Investment Advisory & Portfolio Management That Puts You First

Your investments should reflect your goals, timeline, and comfort with risk—not a generic model. At Carter Financial Group, we manage each portfolio individually and proactively monitor performance, adjusting when markets or life changes demand it.

• Custom portfolios aligned with your objectives and risk profile
• Regular performance reviews and rebalancing
• Personalized updates and recommendations
• 24/7 account access through client portals

Retirement Planning That Helps You Prepare—and Stay Prepared

Retirement planning isn’t just about saving—it’s about turning your savings into steady income and peace of mind. We’ll help you answer key questions and build a strategy that evolves as life unfolds.

• Social Security and pension optimization
• Long-term income and withdrawal planning
• Portfolio allocation for stability in retirement
• Risk and longevity analysis

Financial Consulting—Advice When You Need It, On Your Terms

Sometimes, you need ongoing guidance. Other times, you just need clear answers to specific questions. Our flexible planning and consulting services meet you where you are—without pressure or product sales.

We can help you explore:

• College and education savings strategies
• Roth conversions and tax-aware planning
• Charitable giving and legacy goals
• Estate coordination and wealth transfer
• Cash flow, budgeting, or “second opinion” plan reviews

Risk Analysis & Portfolio Review to Match Your Comfort Zone

Understanding your comfort with risk is key to confident investing. We’ll help you assess how your current investments align with your goals and tolerance—and suggest adjustments where needed.

• Quick online risk assessment
• Comparison against your existing portfolio
• Clear recommendations for better alignment
• Simple, secure reporting through your client portal

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Financial Services

Choosing a financial advisor is a personal decision—and it’s normal to want clarity before moving forward. Below are some of the most common questions we hear about our services, our approach, and what it’s like to work with us. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out.

How is a fiduciary advisor different from other financial professionals?

As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. That means full transparency, no hidden fees, and advice designed around your goals — not ours. It’s a level of accountability that many advisors simply aren’t held to.

Do you only work with clients in Illinois?

No — while we’re proudly based in Barrington and serve many clients in the greater Chicagoland area, we work with individuals and families across the country through secure virtual meetings and digital client portals. Our team can seamlessly support you whether you’re nearby or several states away.

Can you help with accounts I already have elsewhere?

Yes, in most cases. We regularly help clients roll over 401(k)s, consolidate IRAs, and evaluate existing brokerage or retirement accounts. If your current investments can’t be transferred, we’ll still review and advise on how they fit into your overall plan.

Do you offer one-time financial advice, or only ongoing management?

Both. Some clients come to us for a single consultation or targeted project — like reviewing a retirement plan or evaluating college savings options. Others prefer ongoing portfolio management and long-term guidance. You choose the level of involvement that fits your goals today, and you can always adjust later.

What’s included in a portfolio review or financial consulting session?

We start by gathering your current account statements and goals. Then we review asset allocation, risk exposure, fees, and tax efficiency. You’ll get clear feedback on where you stand and what to consider adjusting. We’ll also answer any questions you have—whether it’s about retirement, investing, budgeting, or next steps.

Do you prepare taxes or legal documents?

No—we don’t provide tax preparation or legal services. However, we frequently coordinate with your CPA or estate attorney and can offer tax-aware investment strategies, retirement income guidance, and charitable giving insights that align with your tax and legal plans.

How often will we meet if I become an ongoing client?

We typically meet at least once per year for a full portfolio and strategy review. However, many clients choose to meet more frequently—quarterly or semi-annually. We’re also available throughout the year for updates, questions, or life changes that may impact your plan.

What’s the typical timeline to get started?

From our first conversation to implementation, most clients begin within 2–4 weeks. This includes discovery, planning, and paperwork. If we’re reviewing existing accounts or waiting on transfers, it can take a bit longer—but we’ll guide you through every step.

Can I invest according to my personal values or preferences?

Yes. If you have specific values—such as avoiding certain industries or supporting ESG strategies—we can factor those into your investment plan. Let us know what matters to you, and we’ll build a portfolio that reflects those priorities.